“Evangelicals ought to support the work of… the Institute for Global Engagement and other Christians doing faith-based, relational diplomacy in Muslim countries. Such peacemaking is exemplary.”

Christianity Today
Christianity Today

“Religious freedom has been regarded as more sensitive even than military issues, but IGE’s work over the past 15 years in this area is successful because of our mutual trust and respect.”

Nguyen Tam Chien
Nguyen Tam Chien
Former Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.S.

“The Institute for Global Engagement uniquely combines nimble innovation in education with a commitment to placing dignity and faith at the center of public discussion of the world’s well-being.”

Mark P. Lagon
Mark P. Lagon
Former U.S. Ambassador

“What is happening in Syria is beyond all of our imaginations and it breaks my heart…if women are not educated and empowered they will not have the ability to play a role in rebuilding security and peace. IGE’s CWFL Fellowship offered me the opportunity to increase my capacity and leadership skills. Through the Fellowship, I became a difference-maker, both in analyzing problems and implementing practical solutions.”

Ghada Ghazal, CWFL 2017-2018 Fellow
Ghada Ghazal, CWFL 2017-2018 Fellow
Educator from Syria; has lived abroad since 2012 due to the ongoing civil war. In Syria, she taught Islam & Arabic at the Al-Anduluse Institute for Islamic Studies, the only institute of its kind that works to empower Muslim women.

“Your bread and butter programs are making real impact on the ground, so please keep doing them!”

U.S. Embassy in Hanoi
U.S. Embassy in Hanoi
During a meeting with the U.S. ambassador to Vietnam and his political officer, IGE asked how we could support the U.S. government’s efforts at improving religious freedom in Vietnam; they responded with the above quote.

“A visionary organization, IGE is at the leading edge of research and advocacy on religious freedom.”

Daniel Philpott
Daniel Philpott
University of Notre Dame

“I applaud the important policy work and academic initiatives that IGE is undertaking to further greater respect and reconciliation among Christian and Muslims. Their significant efforts will undoubtedly expand the boundaries of religious freedom in the world.”

John Esposito
John Esposito
Founding Director of the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

“IGE is one of the most effective organizations in the world for opening and maintaining critical dialogue on some of the most sensitive political and human rights issues in potentially volatile regions. I have personally participated in IGE’s efforts to facilitate dialogue and advance religious freedom.  IGE is the one organization I know that is an Ambassador of Reconciliation, and is often more effective than almost all government and diplomatic efforts I have seen in my 40 years of military, government, and community service.”

Geoff Davis
Geoff Davis
Member, House of Representatives (ret.) and IGE Sino-U.S. Counterterrorism Dialogue participant

“I respect IGE tremendously for its quiet, nuanced approach that is yielding real results in some of the most difficult regions in the world.”

Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright
Former U.S. Secretary of State

“IGE is providing vital leadership and a uniquely thoughtful platform for taking on some of the toughest battles for religious freedom in the world. IGE brings careful scholarship and practical expertise to the front lines of this fundamental struggle and is worthy of our vigorous encouragement and support.”

Gary Haugen
Gary Haugen
President, International Justice Mission

“IGE’s singular approach linking religion to security has helped in furthering religious freedom initiatives in some of the world’s most challenging regions.”

Anthony Charles Zinni
Anthony Charles Zinni
Former Commander-in-Chief of U.S. Central Command

“IGE’s thoughtful approach seeks to build relationships based on respect, the foundational understanding of the God-given dignity and value of every human being. This organization puts listening first, and seeks to understand before engaging. Far from ignoring the vital role of faith in many people’s lives, IGE seeks to build on common values that can unite people of different faiths while respecting each other’s genuine theological differences. IGE is truly building peace a person at a time.”

Karen Hughes
Karen Hughes
Former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, US State Department

“IGE’s innovative and comprehensive approach to religious freedom builds bridges between diplomacy, development, and defense. IGE’s ability to operate at the nexus of the public and private spheres—in a relational and relevant manner—is a model for all of us.”

J. Brady Anderson
J. Brady Anderson
Former USAID Administrator and former U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania

“Our country stands ready for a broad international cooperation in this sphere of religious freedom…Together we stand at a new era of strategic partnership.”

Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov
Abdulaziz Khafizovich Kamilov
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Uzbekistan

“IGE’s relational diplomacy names and respects theological differences while seizing upon common values and interests that build practical bridges between the heart and mind. The result is a remarkably innovative approach to religious freedom that builds peace in new and much needed ways while deepening our understanding of the complex issues at stake.”

Marc Gopin
Marc Gopin
James H. Laue Professor of Religion, Diplomacy, and Conflict Resolution, George Mason University